Stories about Sub-Saharan Africa from February, 2010
Kenya: Walk Thru Black History Month in Nairobi
Walk Thru Black History Month will take place in Nairobi on February 27, 2010: “To honor Black History Month 2010, Paa Ya Paa has invited two distinguished African-American scholars from International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH) to further enlighten us about our mutual cultural, historical and spiritual heritage.”
South Africa: Dare to be wise, Mr. President
Discussing South African politics on Thought Leader, Suntosh writes, “Dare to be wise, Mr. President”: But wait — was Zuma trying to hide his immaturity in matters of national governance by ensuring his cabinet would create the façade of a mature president?
Africa: Views on HIV pandemic lack logic
Simon argues that there is no logic in the received view of the HIV pandemic: “Something I have always found mysterious about UNAIDS’ view (it's something of a received view) of the course of the HIV epidemic is that they estimate that the number of new infections peaked in Sub-Saharan...
Africa: Hidden Thoughts & Emotions on Love among African Bloggers
14th February, better known as Valentine’s day, the love mood was not only felt on the streets of Nairobi by the many red flowers, ladies dressed in all manner of red clothes, and offers in every shop.
Ghana: African programmers developing games for iPhone
In this post we are interviewing programmers Eyram Akorfa Tawiah from Ghana and Wesley Kirinya from Kenya who are co-founders of Leti Games, a Ghanaian start-up building games for the iPhone and other gaming platforms.
Uganda: Pastor show gay porn in church
“A pastor seeking to bolster Uganda’s anti-gay laws which already make homosexuality punishable by life imprisonment screened gay porn in a packed Kampala church Wednesday in a bid to drum up support,” writes Frethought Kampala.
Ghana: The music of Koo Nimo
Listen to Ghanaian guitarist Koo Nimo: “Ghana’s guitar treasure Koo Nimo has the air, it’s been well said, of an “Ashanti Segovia, proud of his heritage and of the instrument he has adopted.” He also reminds you immediately of the cellist Yo-Yo Ma.”
Ghana: Model oaf African Self-Sufficiency
Part III of Chris Lydon podcast series, Ghana Speaking: “We are making the full village rounds here in Aburanza, near Cape Coast, with a strong-minded, strong-willed modern chief. From furniture works to dress-making class to palm-nut oil pots, Dr. Kofi Sam is barking out variations on his evangelical theme…”
Africa: Is Anglophone African Literature foreign?
“Is Anglophone African Literature foreign literature?,” Kenyan blogger Keguro asks: “What makes literature “foreign”? And how does the designation “African” function?”
Kenya: Church abuses need to be investigated
Njamba discussses church abuses in Kenya: “The Catholic church in Kenya needs to be Investigated of sexual abuses. I know of Cases in Githunguri Diocese where a priest Impregnated two schools girls.”
Kenya: TV presenter in cult claims controversy
“Nairobi is buzzing with news of a TV news anchor who denounced her family, dumped her fiance and quit her job thanks to a US televangelists who gave orders via mail,” reports Hot Secrets.
Africa: Colonialism alive and well after 50 years of independence
2010 will mark the 50th year of francophone African countries' independence from Belgium and France. While official celebrations are under way, debate about colonialism, past and present, is simmering on blogs in North, Central and Western Africa.
Ghana: Constitution Review Meets Interesting Proposals
In 2008, during the presidential elections, candidates promised Ghanaians a review of the nation’s constitution. What made this pledge more appealing was the contenders’ - President John Atta Mills included - intention to involve Ghanaians in the review process. The president seems to have fulfilled that promise, and new proposals now fuel interesting debates.
Darfur: Youth Keep Crisis in the Spotlight
Though the major conflict has ceased in Darfur, in western Sudan, the continuing instability and ongoing attacks have been particularly harmful for the region's young people. But youth both within and outside of Sudan have been vital in raising awareness and funds and trying to bring change to Darfur.
Video: Mobile Libraries of the World
The mobile library has become a staple in many library systems, bringing books to those who cannot access the libraries themselves. However, in many places due to bad road conditions or lack of funding, the traditional system of rigging a bus or truck as a library is not possible. Thus, library trains, donkey libraries and motorcycle libraries have come to stay as viable options to bring books to the communities.
Nigeria: After two leaderless months, a new Acting President
After weeks of political wrangling, the Nigerian Senate confirmed Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President. Many in the blogosphere saw the event as cause for celebration, but others saw reason for concern, pointing out that although Jonathan's assumption of power might be a political necessity, it is not explicitly endorsed by the Nigerian Constitution.
Is Ghana Ready For e-Voting?
A two-day event which began yesterday; is being organized by the Danquah Institute (DI), a policy think tank, research and analysis centre, to create a national platform for stakeholders to lead the discussion on the possibility of facilitating the adoption of biometric voter registration, and subsequently the e-voting system in Ghana.
Mozambique: Have African people been ‘Cursed'?
Custódio Duma wonders whether Africans have been ‘cursed’, leading to servitude of black people worldwide. He mentions biblical perspectives and says [pt]: “It's from Africa that most resources that keep the capitalism machine working comes from. Yet, Africans almost do not profit from them. […] But who has cursed Africans?”
Opposition Mounts over Tanzania and Zambia Ivory Proposals to CITES
Opposition is mounting against Zambia's and Tanzania's proposals to be allowed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to sell their government held ivory stockpiles.
As Liberia stabilizes, youth begin to talk about sex
As Liberia continues to emerge from its horrific civil war, many fear the combination of extreme poverty and risky sexual decisions will increase the country's HIV/AIDS rate and the number of unplanned pregnancies.
Egypt: We Are The Champions
The Egyptian football team beat Ghana in the African Cup of Nations' final match, and achieved its third consecutive championship. This is also Egypt's seventh championship since the launch of the tournament in the 50's. Bloggers join the rest of the country in celebrating the achievement.
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